Dancing robots used to teach autistic children

Dancing robots could help to improve the communication skills of children with
autism, researchers believe.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have used two knee-high robots, called Max and Ben, to help children with their social and communication skills.

The robots, which cost around £15,000 and are made by French company Aldebaran, can dance, teach language and play games. They have been in testing at Topcliffe Primary School in Castle Vale, Birmingham, since March. About a quarter of the children at the school are autistic and they are supported with separate classes and a range of technologies.

Dr Karen Guldberg, from the University of Birmingham's School of Education, told Sky News: "We have been looking at how technology can support pupils with autism to communicate more effectively."

Ian Lowe, headteacher at Topcliffe Primary, said that because the robots have no emotions, autistic children find them more predictable and less threatening.

He added: "The robots have been brilliant at supporting autistic children with their learning.

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"You can program them to teach language, play games and model behaviour. We have even used them in assemblies. In the future we are looking to see if they can be used to support learning not just at school but at home as well."